For our location in Zeuthen
we are seeking:
Postdoc/Scientist - Gamma-ray Astroparticle Physics
Limited: 2 years | Start: 01.04.2026 | ID: APPO003/2026 | Deadline: 10.12.2026 | Full-time/Part-time
DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
The Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) is the next-generation ground-based facility for ground-based high-energy gamma-ray astronomy. DESY in Zeuthen is a leading partner in CTAO, playing a major role in the development of the CTAO Monte Carlo simulation and reconstruction pipelines.
About your role:
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of CTAO Monte Carlo simulation software and the validation of CTAO simulation models
- Participate in the development and optimization of extensive air shower simulation packages tailored for Cherenkov astronomy
- Conduct physics research utilizing high-energy gamma-ray observatories
- Supervision of students
Good reasons to join:
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our staff are central to us, with gender equality forming a key part of this commitment. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.
Limited: 2 years
About you:
- Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field
- Experience in Monte Carlo simulations or event reconstruction methods for astroparticle or particle physics experiments
- Strong programming skills (preferably C++ and Python) along with experience in scientific computing and AI/ML-assisted software development practices
- Excellent knowledge of English
For further information please contact Gernot Maier at +49 33762-7-7598 (gernot.maier@desy.de).
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation and research interests, CV, list of publications, relevant certificates and three letters of references). Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference: Additional application documents
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:
DESY promotes equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We therefore welcome applications from people of all dimensions of diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons and those with equivalent status will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).
You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career/apprenticeship/
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
Deadline for applications:
11.12.2026
